Extreme in every sense, this is the most un-Porter-like Baltic Porter that's ever been experienced. Its insane gravity, sweetness, savory, rum and coconut infusions that kick this whole thing out of orbit. Man, I'm a sap for beers like these.

Its un-beer-like theme starts as the beer pours with the color of dark coffee but the consistency of maple syrup. With no real head to mention, the ale obviously prefers a quite and calm demeanor and brandy-like legging as opposed to head retention and lace. A quick swirl of the snifter provides a inky sheen to release aromas and allow the beer to breath.

All man- the intimidation of aromatics start with heavy chocolate, black-strap molasses and a plethora of burnt sugars for a char-sweetened taste. Then the strong booze note pulls from the sweetness for a pleasantly firm scent of spiced rum, fortified brandy, fine port and aged sherry. Lush with its savory scent- the culmination is nearly meaty with a not-so-mild soy sauce nuance. As the complexities build, a final hint of coconut and oak rise as I head in for that first sip.

Its lavish, succulent taste is fortified with fudge and bold roast coffee backed by molasses, buckwheat and burnt toffee as it provides a stranglehold on the tongue. Only sliced through by the strong alcohol flavors of brandy, rum and sherry wine- those well-aged flavors provide a savory and salty taste to round out the sugars and a spiciness to balance them. Cherries, raisins, plumbs, prunes, figs and dates all pull from the savory darkness and continues to release secrets with every sip. Again, an extended finish of slowly receding sweetness and booze reveals oak, caramel, vanilla and unmistakable coconut.

Much more like a barley liqueur than of beer- the weight of the uncarbonated beer rests weightedly on the tongue to allow all of those strong flavors to seep into the taste buds in unabashed fashion. Viscous and chewy, the beer's boozy sweetness clings to the mouth and resists the urge to any type of closure or finish. Lingering like fine port, the beer easily replaces any desert on the menu and is the perfect closure to any meal of rich cuisine.

Momi Hiwa is a clever ale that bridges the worlds of frigid Baltic regions, tropical islands and zymurgy gone wild. Its certainly a beer that drinks like a meal!

12oz bottle $10.99. I picked this up after hearing the hype and despite being leery after the heat of Uncle Jacobs. Solid choice. Dark, brown color but not quite black. No head. Aroma was sticky chocolate, rum, coconut, sugar, and alcohol of course. Flavor was more chocolate, coconut, booze, sugar. I was actually quite surprised how the sweetness overpowered the alcohol, I had no problem finishing my six ounces. Good stuff.